[pspeid]

Here's an idea that goes outside the box a bit. It will no doubt raise squeals of protest and/or mocking comments, but here goes.

Why not use the top two or three floors of The Bay for a medical addictions/therapy/recovery centre? Part of it could be temporary "halfway" housing for people who have finished the addictions treatment but don't have a place to live yet.

A $40 million centre has already been proposed by Mark Chipman to deal with the issue. I think he suggested building a new place in Point Douglas, but part of his argument was that it be "close to downtown". I would think that an appropriate ambulance entrance could be built into the parkade somehow, and it's location is very convenient.

Apart from the cost ($40 million may go a long way towards making the space suitable) I would anticipate the most difficult thing with this idea is selling the optics of it. Apart from the contingent that believe addicts don't "deserve" treatment because of their personal weakness, etc. (in other words, jerks who should be ignored), there would probably be reluctance from business people who are afraid it would impact their bottom line, and folks who feel their safety would be threatened somehow.

So.....what does everyone think?